Surface Test Type B is the default for the final
riding surface of travel lanes with the exceptions noted in Section
5 above. The ride quality specification for concrete and hot-mix
asphalt surfaces includes incentives and disincentives based on
the contractor’s performance in constructing a smooth surface. One
of three pay adjustment schedules in Item 585 is selected by the
engineer to determine the level of bonus or liquidated damages for
each 0.1-mi. section for these projects. Pay adjustment schedules
1 and 2 have the same bonus schedule; pay adjustment schedule 3
has a lower bonus schedule than pay adjustment schedules 1 and 2.
The liquidated damages are greater for schedule 1, less for schedule
2, and there are no liquidated damages when schedule 3 is selected.

Item 585 specifies Surface Test Type B with Pay Adjustment
Schedule 3 as the default. However, Schedule 1 and 2 could be more
appropriate for many construction scenarios. Use the guidelines
in Table 11-2 and engineering judgment to determine the appropriate
Pay Adjustment Schedule based on what is achievable. Factors to
consider include the existing IRI, class of the road, posted speed, previous
experiences on similar projects, the ability to improve the existing
ride with the number of smoothness opportunities specified, and
the need for higher ride quality. General notes or notes on typical
sections are required to change the Pay Adjustment Schedule. It
is strongly advised that the designer show on the plans which pay
schedule they wish to use. Note that Table 11-2 does not cover all
possible construction scenarios. For further assistance, please
contact MNT – Pavement Asset Management.

New Construction or Major Rehabilitation (IH,
US, Multilane divided highways)

Rigid Pavements

CRCP, CPCD and Unbonded Concrete Overlay

2

Bonded Concrete Overlay

3

All roads with posted speed < 45 MPH

3

Flexible Pavements with total HMA
thickness > 1.5”

1

Overlay or Minor Rehabilitation

Flexible Pavements with total HMA
thickness < 1.5” such as an overlay with a Permeable Friction
Course (PFC). Note that in some cases Surface Test Type A may be
more appropriate for this application.

3*

Flexible Pavements Total HMA thickness
> 1.5”

All roads with posted speed <
45 MPH

3*

When there are 2 or more smoothness opportunities
(see Section 7)

All highway classifications other than 2-lane undivided

1*

2-lane undivided highways

2*

When there is only 1 smoothness
opportunity (see Section 7)

All highway classifications other than 2-lane undivided

2*

2-lane undivided highways

3*

* It may be appropriate to increase
or decrease this number depending on the ride quality of the existing
pavement. For example: if the ride quality of the existing pavement
is poor (IRI > 170), it may be appropriate to increase this number
if applicable. Conversely, it may be appropriate to decrease this
number if applicable and if the ride quality of the existing pavement
is good (IRI < 95).